(Columbia, MO)The University of Missouri-Columbia is pleased to announce that Jessie Alexander-East from the Springfield-Greene County Library District has been chosen as the first "Make a Difference" scholarship winner. Alexander-East will receive a graduate scholarship to MU that will cover all educational fees leading to a Master's Degree in Library Science. This program is jointly funded by the MU Graduate School and the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies.

This year the "Make a Difference" program challenged libraries across the state to improve the quality of their constituents' lives. The Springfield-Greene County Library proved to be very successful in this challenge. It created the Edge Community Technology Center at the Midtown Carnegie Library Branch. Edge's mission is "to help close the digital divide by providing a dynamic, safe, and inviting environment for members of the community." Edge is located in the branch service area with the lowest income and education levels in the county. It is used by people from all demographics but its primary motivation is to offer technology training to those who needed assistance accessing electronic information.

Proof of the program's success can be seen in data gathered over the first three years of operation. There have been over 11,000 people in total class attendance. 30% had a high school education or less and 30% were over the age of 55. Many enrolled because they had never been exposed to computers while others did so to keep up with their children's technology skills.

Jessie Alexander-East was nominated by a selection committee from Springfield-Greene County Library District to receive the award. The committee felt she had immense potential as a future leader and would be an asset to the profession of Library Science. The nomination was endorsed by the Library Science faculty at MU.

"I can't think of any staff member I have met in my professional dealings that I would like to see in library school more," wrote Vicky Baker, South Area Administrative Librarian at Mid-Continent Public Library, in her letter of recommendation.

"Having reviewed Jessie's qualifications, and now having met her, I believe it is clear that she has made, and will continue to make, a difference in our profession," agreed John Budd, Associate Director of the School of Information Science & Technologies.

For more information on the "Make a Difference Program-Library Challenge" please visit www.SISLT.missouri.edu or call the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies at (573) 882-4546.

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